Valve Cover Gaskets - Would you coat them?

[ruffy]

I was surprised to see the Valve Covers on my 77 Nova's 305,
in need of a gasket replacement, only take 4 bolts each.
(Yes, each bolt has those "wings" to spread the pressure.)

Does it make sense to apply a thin coat of some paste
on either side of the gaskets, or not. I don't know what
products I'd feel safe with, that they won't dry up and chip
away.

Would a little axle grease on either side be preferable?
Or how about so-called high-temperature silicone?
What would you people recommend?

 

[Chuzz]

Get some red Permatex and apply a thin coat only on the valve cover. DO NOT put it on both sides of the gasket or you'll have to scrape the head the next time you need to replace them. Let the Permatex "skin over" then apply the gasket to the valve cover and install it on the head. Make sure you use a criss cross pattern and torque the bolts to spec. I used to use the old brown Permatex, but since the red came out years ago, I switched to it and really have have great results with it. Different people will have other colors that they prefer, but as long as you only apply which ever one you choose, to the valve cover itself, you should be okay. Brown, blue, red or black, they all do the same thing.

 

[zora]

times 2 on what Chuzz says